Volkswagen has just given the motoring world the low down on its up! The up! is VW’s new compact city car and will become the brand’s entry-level machine in many global markets.

As you’d expect the up! is a very small machine being just 3.54 metres long, 1.64 m wide and 1.48 m tall with a wheelbase of 2.42 m. There’s 251 litres cargo capacity in the hatch expanding to an impressive 951 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Under the bonnet there will be two variants of VW’s three-cylinder, 1.0 litre petrol engine with BlueMotion technology. Power output will be either 44kW or 55kW respectively. Economy is extremely frugal at just 4.2 litres/100km and 4.3 liters/100 km, depending on power grade.

A special feature of the up! will be optional City Emergency Braking – a safety system that works at speeds under 30 km/h, detects an imminent collision and apply the brakes automatically.

The VW up! will be offered in Europe with three trim levels – trend, comfort and high.

The up! goes on sale in Germany in December. Volkswagen NZ hasn’t announced if the up! will be included in its model range.